Three defensive backs of the Buffalo Bills have been fined for their role in starting a pre-game altercation with the Patriots Jacoby Brissett and Malcolm Mitchell.
According to John Wawrow of the Associated Press, Safety Robert Blanton was fined $21,000 while cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman was fined $10,000. Safety Aaron Williams was also fined but wouldn’t disclose the amount, reportedly telling Wawrow, “It’s up there.”
Before the game on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, Patriots rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, jogged down the sideline. The Bills yelled at the players that they were allegedly interrupting the Bills pre-game drill. On their way back down the sideline, Blanton ran over from the middle of the field and shoved Brissett. Mitchell jumped in, in defense of the quarterback.
WHOA. Pregame shoving between the #Bills and #Patriots. Malcolm Mitchell and Robert Blanton getting things started. @News_8 pic.twitter.com/nbntMSK2hX
— Prescott Rossi (@PrescottRossi) October 2, 2016
That is when Robey-Coleman and Williams got involved, as well as Patriots coaches who tried to separate the players. Williams repeatedly shoved Patriots receivers coach Chad O’Shea, the last time in the back as he ushered the players away.
Appearing on 98.5 the Sports Hub prior to the game, Patriots President Jonathan Kraft, took exception to the incident and pointed the finger directly at Bills coach Rex Ryan.
“That gets back to Rex,” Kraft said. “I think if you are less than disciplined in your personal approach, your team will take on the attitude of the coach.”
“That’s why Rex is Rex and Bill [Belichick] is Bill,” Kraft added.
It isn’t yet known if Brissett or Mitchell will be fined for their role yet.
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
